Synod of Lincoln Trails Administrative Commission

for the Presbytery of Midwest Hanmi

Presbyterian Church in the United States of America (PCUSA)

PRESS RELEASE

May 16, 2009

Chicago, IL (5:00 pm).  The Synod of Lincoln Trails Administrative Commission for the Presbytery of Midwest Hanmi (SAC) is pleased to announce that Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois County Department, Chancery Division Case No. 07 CH 05052 between  the Administrative Commission of the Midwest Hanmi Presbytery Acting as Session of the CANAAN Presbyterian Church and the Canaan Presbyterian Church, an Illinois Not-For-Profit Corporation, Plaintiffs,  V. Yong Sam Rhee, Hyung Young Choi, Seung Pyung Jun, Pan Tae Kim And Gyu Ho Lee, Defendants has [the court seems to be the subject; however, if the intent is for the parties to be the subject, then the structure needs to be changed] entered an Agreed Settlement Order on May 15, 2009. The court retains jurisdiction of this matter until the final order is entered. 

This is an important day for Canaan Presbyterian Church, Glenview, IL. The expensive litigation between these parties has ended.  It is time to move forward.  Presbyterian polity allows self governance by the people within a congregation.  The SAC will continue to help whether the two worshipping communities currently associated with the Canaan Church will be able to reunite or will become two congregations. In the interim, use of the facilities will be guided by the SAC, together with a joint facility task force.  In the longer term, the settlement order will create a balanced group of Trustees to oversee the Church property. Both of these groups will provide leadership and input to the SAC regarding the future of this congregation.

The SAC would thank the people of Canaan for their faithfulness in the years of trouble and for the work they have done since receiving directions from the SAC on April 25. The different deadlines that we have set both sides have been met; each community has submitted their rolls, sent representatives to the interim facilities task force and work on this settlement agreement. We, the SAC are encouraged by this. Our hope in the future is that this type of cooperative behavior will allow for the SAC to continue guiding these worshipping communities into decisions regarding the future that will please our Lord. 

Attachment: Agreed Settlement CPC

For further information:

             SAC:  Rev. Beth Wagner, Moderator, 309-531-7076

             Representing Rev. Rhee:  Dan Lee, Esq., 312-729-5345

             CaSaMo: Elder Chris Sim, (847) 571-3620